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Product Description An illustrated guide to natural relief from chronic inflammation • Explores the use of 18 anti-inflammatory herbs, such as bay laurel, basil, turmeric, and devil’s claw, as well as 15 other natural substances, such as propolis and fish oil • Examines which natural remedy is best for many common inflammation-related ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, tendonitis, arthritis, and eczema • Reveals the important role of omega-3s in defending the body against inflammation From aspirin and ibuprofen to antihistamines and cortisone, anti-inflammatory drugs are now the top-selling pharmaceuticals in the world. But daily use of these powerful drugs comes with a price: side effects, many of which can lead to other chronic conditions and the further use of medications. In this practical guide to natural remedies for inflammation, naturopath Christopher Vasey explores 18 anti-inflammatory herbs, such as bay laurel, basil, turmeric, and devil’s claw, as well as 15 other natural substances, such as propolis and fish oil. He explains which conditions each addresses most effectively, proper dosage, and the best methods of ingestion. Vasey explains how, like fever, inflammation is a defensive reaction of the body and also carries out a cleansing process, which natural remedies support but pharmaceuticals can destabilize by contributing more toxins to the internal terrain. He examines 50 of the most common inflammation-related ailments--such as allergies, asthma, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, cystitis, tendinitis, arthritis, eczema, and sciatica--and explains which medicinal plant or food supplement is best suited to safely alleviate unpleasant symptoms while helping the body complete the healing the inflammation was initiated to perform. Revealing the important role of omega-3s in defending the body against inflammation and reducing the damage caused by chronic inflammation, Vasey explores what foods are rich in these key molecules, how much must be eaten to defend the body, and what omega-3 supplements are most suited to your body’s needs. The author also examines how to deacidify the body, as acids have an inflammatory effect, as well as how to use hydrotherapy to calm inflammation. Review “This book contains very valuable information. The author has provided the background of each herb and its dose for a particular health condition. It is easy to read and will serve as a useful source of information for those who are interested in herbal remedies for inflammation.” ― Kedar N. Prasad, Ph.D., author of Fighting Cancer with Vitamins and Antioxidants About the Author Christopher Vasey, N.D., is a naturopath specializing in detoxification and rejuvenation. He is the author of The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health, Optimal Detox, The Naturopathic Way, The Water Prescription, The Whey Prescription, The Detox Mono Diet, and The Healing Power of Fever. He lives near Montreux, Switzerland. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Chapter 4How Anti-Inflammatory Substances Work The Biochemistry of Inflammation Anti-inflammatory substances are remedies capable of reducing and even removing the reactions of inflammation. To understand how they work, it is necessary to briefly examine the biochemistry of inflammation and take particular notice of a fundamental troubleshooter of this defense process: prostaglandins. PROSTAGLANDINS As soon as a cell comes under attack it releases two kinds of prostaglandins: antagonistic and beneficial. As their name indicates, antagonistic prostaglandins prepare and trigger the body’s defensive reaction. The blood capillaries of the area under attack dilate and their permeability is increased, which allows greater quantities of blood serum to travel into the tissues to form an edema. They also encourage the transmission of pain signals that inform the body’s defenses of the attack. Any battle will cause damage, however. A brake must be applied to